Based in Leverkusen, Germany, and with a qualification in design, Sascha Preuss’ vector illustrations are a stunning example of great artistry, humour and fresh, contemporary appeal.

Sascha begins all of his illustrations with rough sketches. These are redrawn, and other details such as shadows, textures and often ‘small, laughing critters‘ are added. The digital work is effectively planned through the sketch, with the quality of the finished piece being closely linked to the quality of this reworked pencil sketch.

The sketch is then traced over in Adobe Illustrator. Once this is done, the colours are added, with Sascha’s personal choice being bright colours. ‘The biggest advantage of the digital process is the ability to play around with colours, changing them as much as you like. There is much less of this flexibility with oil or acrylic paints, for example.’

To improve his use of colours, Sascha enjoys using the paintings of artists such as Ingres, Bosch and Larsson as inspiration, even reading the occasional book about colour and colour harmony.

With regards to vector illustrations, Sascha hopes to always work with them, having experimented previously with airbrushing, woodcuts, acrylics and etchings. The clarity afforded by vector work is what appeals to him, as well as believing there is a massive future for this art form.

As a tip, Sascha suggests not trying too hard to finding new ideas, relaxing and doing what you love doing (‘and working like hell!’).

ⓒ Sascha Preuss, 2009

To pay the bills, he is currently working on a range of graphic design projects as well as working on taking over the world with his beloved BubbleArmy illustrations.

Good luck Sascha!

MoonApe.

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